Barley and asparagus

If you're like me, you're always looking for easy and delicious and DIFFERENT side dishes. Here's one of my fav's

1 1/2 C quick barley
3 C chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbs dry onions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C chopped carrots
1 C asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces

Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 min (until tender)

Steam asparagus and carrots until crisp tender (you may want to start w the carrots and add the asparagus a few min later)

Combine the veggies w/ the barley and sprinkle w/ a little parmesan (optional).

Artichoke lasagna review

We hated it ;).....YUM!! So good! It's definitely a keeper. I added a grilled chicken breast and used a large jar of marinated artichoke hearts (the recipe calls for 15 fresh baby artichoke. I don't have time for that!) I made 2 small pans, one for now, one for later and it was perfect! You'll be seeing it in the rotation again :)

April Menu

I am in no way, shape or form ready for it to get hot :( I AM ready, however for some switch ups in the menu. Warmer weather means more grilling, more salads and sandwiches. Yum! The first recipes I am listing are new ones for me. I'll always to let you know which ones I have never tried before, all the rest and tried and true.  Good luck with your planning!!

*On a side note, we use a lot of ground turkey in our house. This is a good month, because of Easter, to buy whole turkey breasts on sale and have your butcher grind it for you :) Also, I am not making Easter dinner this year, but for Christmas I followed a recipe that involved slow cooking your ham in the crock pot with a bottle of Dr Pepper and a can of pineapple. DE.LISH. Try it!

(Newbies)
Artichoke Lasagna (I am cheating and using marinated artichoke hearts)
Honey Butter Pork Tenderloin and Snap Pea Salad
Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf
Chinese Chicken Salad
Grilled Chicken and Sauteed Brussel Sprouts

(and the rest)
Tacos, Spanish rice, Chips and Guac
Grilled Salmon, wild rice
Chicken rolls
Pot roast
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Swedish Meatballs, green beans
Grilled Tilapia, steamed veggies
Stir Fry
Fajitas
Sweet and Salty Salad Wraps
Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread
Breakfast
Turkey Burgers and sweet potato fries
Grilled Pizzas
French Dip
Thai Coconut Curry Noodles
Sweet Pork salads
Funeral Potato Casserole